Yesterday, Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced their support for a petition that seeks to change federal voter registration requirements. The petition calls on the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to revise its regulations and the National Mail Voter Registration Form so that applicants must provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.
Currently, applicants can register by self-attesting to their citizenship status by checking a box under penalty of perjury. Critics of this system argue that it does not provide adequate safeguards against ineligible registrations.
If the proposed changes are implemented, individuals would need to present proof of citizenship at the time of registration. Supporters say this would make the process more secure and reliable.
The letter backing the petition was also signed by several members of Congress, including Representatives Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Pat Fallon (R-TX), Andy Harris (R-MD), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Mary Miller (R-IL), Barry Moore (R-AL), Riley Moore (R-WV), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), and Greg Steube (R-FL). Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Cornyn (R-TX), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) also cosigned.
“I’m proud to support this effort to strengthen our election system. In our constitutional republic, only American citizens should be able to vote, and requiring proof of citizenship at registration is a commonsense safeguard,” said Rep. Crane. “Considering we already show ID to drive, fly, or open a bank account, this is not a novel concept. It’s simply a necessary step to ensure the integrity of our elections.”
Eli Crane has served as a member of the U.S. Congress representing Arizona’s 2nd District since 2023, after succeeding Tom O’Halleran. He was born in Tucson, Arizona in 1980 and currently resides in Oro Valley.
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